Montford Point Marines, families receive Congressional Gold Medals

Saturday

Nearly nine years after his death, Sgt. Maj. Edgar Huff received the Congressional Gold Medal.

Nearly nine years after his death, Sgt. Maj. Edgar Huff received the Congressional Gold Medal.

A long line stretched around the Montford Point Association Building as Marines and their families took their seats in anticipation for Chapter 10 of the Montford Point Marine Association to award 37 Congressional Gold Medals to Montford Point Marines.

Of those medals, 32 were given posthumously to surviving family members.

The Gold Medal is the highest honor awarded to civilians, requiring 67 co-sponsors to be considered on the Senate floor. It is awarded to individuals who perform outstanding deeds or acts of service to the security, prosperity, and national interest of the United States.

At least 400 Montford Point Marines have been awarded the medal since the announcement last year.

“Despite being denied many basic rights, the Montford Point Marines committed to serve our country with selfless patriotism, choosing to put their lives on the line. These men helped advance civil rights, and helped influence the decision to desegregate the armed forces in 1948. Embodying the Marine Corps motto, these heroes paved the way for future generations of warriors, regardless of background, to serve in the finest military the world has ever known,” Master Sgt. Tina Barrett narrated from a message from President Obama.

The medals were also awarded to Primus Kinlaw, Manny Maxwell, James McGee, Creo McIver Sr. and John Spencer. Immediately following was the posthumous awarding to the families of the deceased, including Huff.

“It’s humbling to see the men who had to face adversity in the Marine Corps. The diversity wouldn’t be there today. They saw a cause and they went for it,” said Jerome Huff, his grandson.

Turner C. Blount was among those who received his award in June 2012 in Washington D.C.

“It took a whole lot to get it,” Blount said.

Blount served in the Marines for 25 years, doing tours in Korea and Vietnam, as well as World War II. After retiring, he managed apartments for young Marines, served as a Jacksonville city councilman, and more was instrumental in pushing legislation that named the Jacksonville by-pass after the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King.

“It brings back old military memories,” Blount said after the ceremony.

Members of the Montford Point Marine Association donated the money for the medals.

“It is a great legacy, one that is not really well known,” said member Mary Christian. “These men were very courageous to come to North Carolina. I’m glad we can tell them they were really appreciated, that people have finally been made aware.”

Those who have received the award include such notables as former presidents George Washington, Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford; the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King; Nelson Mandella; and Rosa Parks.

The Montford Point Marines were awarded the medal for their role in helping to desegregate the military and nation. Many of the Marines participated in the Pacific Theater Campaign of World War II. The Marine Corps was the last branch of the armed services to admit blacks.

Contact reporter Matthew Adkins at matthew.adkins@jdnews.com or at 910-219-8467.

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